One of the rarest diamonds in the world — the 10.3-carat Mediterranean Blue, also known as Fancy Vivid Blue, was sold at a prestigious jewelry auction in Geneva. π
This exceptional stone was purchased on May 13 for an astounding 17.9 million Swiss francs, or about $21.5 million, according to Sotheby’s auction house. π¦
The new owner, an anonymous American private collector, won after fierce bidding competition — but the battle was well worth it. π₯
It was also a triumphant day for Sotheby’s, with 97% of lots sold, totaling 42 million Swiss francs in sales. πβ¨
The “Mediterranean Blue” is a stunning cushion-cut ring set with a vivid blue diamond, whose rare hue is caused by traces of boron in its composition. π§ͺ
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), this Type IIb diamond belongs to a category that makes up less than 0.5% of all diamonds globally. π
Experts describe such diamonds as “symbols of nature’s eternal wonders”, and the cushion cut enhances the stone’s depth and richness, placing it firmly in the realm of jewelry masterpieces. π
Before the auction, the stone — mined at Cullinan Mines in South Africa in 2023 — was exhibited along with seven other rare gems, collectively valued at over $100 million, during Sotheby’s debut exhibition at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi. ποΈπ¦πͺ
It took over six months to cut and polish the 31.94-carat rough into this flawless treasure. π οΈ
As stated by Sotheby’s director Quig Bruning, this gem is “undeniably one of the finest blue diamonds in the world” and “the defining stone of the season.” ππ
